25 years ago: The Tiananmen Square protests

The image of the "Tank Man" is lodged in our collective memories of the Beijing student uprising of 1989, but many don't recall the events spanned over a month.

June 3, 2014 1:34 PM

Photo: Jeff Widener/AP

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The image of the "Tank Man" is lodged in our collective memories of the Beijing student uprising of 1989, but there many don't recall the events spanned over a month.

In April 1989 students in Beijing began to rally against the government in what was known as the 1989 Democracy Movement after the death of Communist Party General Secretary, Hu Yaobang, who was seen as a reformer.

On June 4, 1989, after a month and a half of protests, the government cracked down on the protestors in Beijing's Tianamen square, killing hundreds of civilians in what became known at the June Fourth Incident.

The image of the "Tank Man" is lodged in our collective... Photo-6395967.87080 - SFGate

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A man who identified himself as a former political prisoner relates his experiences to striking students in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, on May 28, 1989. Students have held the square in a democracy demonstration for more than two weeks. less

A man who identified himself as a former political prisoner relates his experiences to striking students in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, on May 28, 1989. Students have held the square in a democracy demonstration ... more

Photo: Jeff Widener, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A man who identified himself as a former political prisoner relates... Photo-6396024.87080 - SFGate

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Local residents loaded the wounded people on a rickshaw flatbed shortly after PLA soldiers opened fire on a crowd in this June 4, 1989 photo. On Friday, it will be 25 years since the military assault that killed hundreds and ended seven weeks of protests centered on Tiananmen Square. less

Local residents loaded the wounded people on a rickshaw flatbed shortly after PLA soldiers opened fire on a crowd in this June 4, 1989 photo. On Friday, it will be 25 years since the military assault that ... more

Photo: LIU HEUNG SHING, AP

Local residents loaded the wounded people on a rickshaw flatbed... Photo-6396034.87080 - SFGate

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A striking Beijing University student is given first aid by medics at a field hospital in Tiananmen Square at Beijing, Wednesday, May 17, 1989, the fourth day of their hunger strike for democracy.

A striking Beijing University student is given first aid by medics at a field hospital in Tiananmen Square at Beijing, Wednesday, May 17, 1989, the fourth day of their hunger strike for democracy.

Photo: Sadayuki Mikami, AP

A striking Beijing University student is given first aid by medics... Photo-6395964.87080 - SFGate

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The bodies of dead civilians lie among mangled bicycles near Beijing's Tiananmen Square early June 4, 1989. Tanks and soldiers stormed the area overnight, bringing a violent end to student demonstrations for democratic reform in China. less

The bodies of dead civilians lie among mangled bicycles near Beijing's Tiananmen Square early June 4, 1989. Tanks and soldiers stormed the area overnight, bringing a violent end to student demonstrations for ... more

A man tries to pull a Chinese soldier away from his comrades as thousands of Beijing's citizens turned out to block thousands of troops on their way towards Tiananmen Square early Saturday morning, June 3, 1989. less

A man tries to pull a Chinese soldier away from his comrades as thousands of Beijing's citizens turned out to block thousands of troops on their way towards Tiananmen Square early Saturday morning, June 3, ... more

Photo: Mark Avery, AP

A man tries to pull a Chinese soldier away from his comrades as... Photo-6395966.87080 - SFGate

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A young man swings on the barrel of a disabled tank, as others satisfy their curiosity on a street in Beijing, China, June 9, 1989. The tank was disabled when People's Liberation Army soldiers swept through Tiananmen Square last week. less

A young man swings on the barrel of a disabled tank, as others satisfy their curiosity on a street in Beijing, China, June 9, 1989. The tank was disabled when People's Liberation Army soldiers swept through ... more

Photo: Jeff Widener, AP

A young man swings on the barrel of a disabled tank, as others... Photo-6395968.87080 - SFGate

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Crowds of curious Beijing residents gather to look at the military hardware in Tiananmen Square Wednesday, June 7, 1989 in Beijing.

Crowds of curious Beijing residents gather to look at the military hardware in Tiananmen Square Wednesday, June 7, 1989 in Beijing.

A man grieves for his missing parents as his aunt calls on her phone outside a travel agency which was involved in organizing a Yangtze River cruise, in Shanghai, China Tuesday June 2, 2015. A small cruise ship sank overnight in China's Yangtze River during a storm, state media said Tuesday. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT less

A man grieves for his missing parents as his aunt calls on her phone outside a travel agency which was involved in organizing a Yangtze River cruise, in Shanghai, China Tuesday June 2, 2015. A small cruise ship ... more

Photo: Associated Press

A man grieves for his missing parents as his aunt calls on her... Photo-8085751.87080 - SFGate

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Rescuers carry a survivor pulled from the capsized cruise ship on the Yangtze River in Jianli in central China's Hubei province Tuesday June 2, 2015. Divers on Tuesday pulled survivors from inside the overturned cruise ship, state media said, giving some small hope to an apparently massive tragedy with well over 400 people still missing on the river. (Chinatopix Via AP) CHINA OUT less

Rescuers carry a survivor pulled from the capsized cruise ship on the Yangtze River in Jianli in central China's Hubei province Tuesday June 2, 2015. Divers on Tuesday pulled survivors from inside the ... more

FILE - In this June 6, 1989 file photo, bicycle commuters, sparse in numbers, pass through a tunnel as above on the overpass military tanks are positioned in Beijing, two days after the Tiananmen Square massacre on Tuesday morning, June 6, 1989. The slogan on the wall at left reads: "Strike down martial law." A quarter century after the Communist Party’s attack on demonstrations centered on Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, the ruling party prohibits public discussion and 1989 is banned from textbooks and Chinese websites. less

FILE - In this June 6, 1989 file photo, bicycle commuters, sparse in numbers, pass through a tunnel as above on the overpass military tanks are positioned in Beijing, two days after the Tiananmen Square ... more

Rescue workers walk on the hull of a capsized cruise ship on the Yangtze River in Jianli in central China's Hubei province Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Divers on Tuesday pulled survivors from inside the overturned cruise ship, state media said, giving some small hope to an apparently massive tragedy with well over 400 people still missing on the river. (Chinatopix Via AP) CHINA OUT less

Rescue workers walk on the hull of a capsized cruise ship on the Yangtze River in Jianli in central China's Hubei province Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Divers on Tuesday pulled survivors from inside the overturned ... more

Photo: Associated Press

Rescue workers walk on the hull of a capsized cruise ship on the... Photo-8085746.87080 - SFGate

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Pedestrians cheer on demonstrators for democracy as they parade to Tiananmen Square in support of striking students, May 18, 1989, Beijing, China.

Pedestrians cheer on demonstrators for democracy as they parade to Tiananmen Square in support of striking students, May 18, 1989, Beijing, China.

Photo: Sadayuki Mikami, AP

Pedestrians cheer on demonstrators for democracy as they parade to... Photo-6395978.87080 - SFGate

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Chinese students shout after breaking through a police blockade during a pro-democracy march to Tiananmen Square, Bejing, May 4 1989.

Chinese students shout after breaking through a police blockade during a pro-democracy march to Tiananmen Square, Bejing, May 4 1989.

Photo: S.MIKAMI, AP

Chinese students shout after breaking through a police blockade... Photo-6395962.87080 - SFGate

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Striking Beijing University students crowd three to a bag during the chilly night sit in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Monday, May 15, 1989. They are in their third day of a strike for democracy.

Striking Beijing University students crowd three to a bag during the chilly night sit in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Monday, May 15, 1989. They are in their third day of a strike for democracy.

Photo: Sadayuki Mikami, AP

Striking Beijing University students crowd three to a bag during... Photo-6395970.87080 - SFGate

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Beijing University students listen as an unidentified strike spokesman details plans for a rally in Tiananmen Square on May 28, 1989, Beijing, China.

Beijing University students listen as an unidentified strike spokesman details plans for a rally in Tiananmen Square on May 28, 1989, Beijing, China.

Photo: Jeff Widener, AP

Beijing University students listen as an unidentified strike... Photo-6396058.87080 - SFGate

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Students occupying Tiananmen Square in Beijing relax in the shade of the of their tent during a hot afternoon, May 26, 1989. They have camped in the square during a demonstration for democracy for 13 days.

Students occupying Tiananmen Square in Beijing relax in the shade of the of their tent during a hot afternoon, May 26, 1989. They have camped in the square during a demonstration for democracy for 13 days.

Photo: Jeff Widener, AP

Students occupying Tiananmen Square in Beijing relax in the shade... Photo-6396057.87080 - SFGate

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Students line up at the Beijing railroad station, May 26, 1989 as they depart for their home provinces. Several thousand left the capital by evening.

Students line up at the Beijing railroad station, May 26, 1989 as they depart for their home provinces. Several thousand left the capital by evening.

Photo: Mark Avery, AP

Students line up at the Beijing railroad station, May 26, 1989 as... Photo-6396020.87080 - SFGate

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A student washes up in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, May 26, 1989. University students have occupied the square for 13 days.

A student washes up in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, May 26, 1989. University students have occupied the square for 13 days.

Photo: Jeff Widener, AP

A student washes up in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, May 26,... Photo-6396056.87080 - SFGate

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A rickshaw driver fiecely peddles the wounded people, with the help of bystanders, to a nearby hospital Sunday, June 4, 1989. PLA soldiers again fired hundreds of rounds towards angry crowds gathered outside Tiananmen Square at noon. less

A rickshaw driver fiecely peddles the wounded people, with the help of bystanders, to a nearby hospital Sunday, June 4, 1989. PLA soldiers again fired hundreds of rounds towards angry crowds gathered outside ... more

Chinese soldiers ride their boats to the embankment after their search and rescue operation near a capsized cruise ship on the Yangtze River in Jianli in central China's Hubei province, Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Divers on Tuesday pulled several survivors from inside the capsized cruise ship and searched for other survivors, state media said, giving some small hope to an apparently massive tragedy. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) less

Chinese soldiers ride their boats to the embankment after their search and rescue operation near a capsized cruise ship on the Yangtze River in Jianli in central China's Hubei province, Tuesday, June 2, 2015. ... more

Photo: Andy Wong, Associated Press

Chinese soldiers ride their boats to the embankment after their... Photo-8085749.87080 - SFGate

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In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, rescuers save a survivor, center, from the overturned passenger ship in the Jianli section of the Yangtze River in central China's Hubei Province Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Rescuers pulled several survivors to safety after hearing cries for help Tuesday from inside a capsized cruise ship that went down overnight in a storm on China's Yangtze River, state broadcaster CCTV said. (Cheng Min/Xinhua via AP) NO SALES less

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, rescuers save a survivor, center, from the overturned passenger ship in the Jianli section of the Yangtze River in central China's Hubei Province Tuesday, ... more

Photo: Cheng Min, Associated Press

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, rescuers... Photo-8085750.87080 - SFGate

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Students and police link arms to keep crowds of people, many of these relatives of strikers, from Tiananmen Square, where students have been on hunger strike since Saturday, Thursday, May 18, 1989, Beijing, China. less

Students and police link arms to keep crowds of people, many of these relatives of strikers, from Tiananmen Square, where students have been on hunger strike since Saturday, Thursday, May 18, 1989, Beijing, ... more

Photo: Sadayuki Mikami, AP

Students and police link arms to keep crowds of people, many of... Photo-6395982.87080 - SFGate

Demonstrators surround trucks carrying unidentified Peoples' Liberation Army troops as they headed toward the city center, Saturday, May 20, 1989, Beijing, China. Some fifteen trucks were stopped by the demonstrators. less

Demonstrators surround trucks carrying unidentified Peoples' Liberation Army troops as they headed toward the city center, Saturday, May 20, 1989, Beijing, China. Some fifteen trucks were stopped by the ... more

The Soviet flag frames the portrait of Mao Tse-tung in Beijing?s Tiananmen Square as President Mikhail Gorbachev arrived in the Chinese capital of Beijing on Monday, May 15, 1989. It is the first sino-Soviet summit since Mao gave Nikita Khrushchev the cold shoulder in Beijing in 1959. less

The Soviet flag frames the portrait of Mao Tse-tung in Beijing?s Tiananmen Square as President Mikhail Gorbachev arrived in the Chinese capital of Beijing on Monday, May 15, 1989. It is the first sino-Soviet ... more

Beijing police parade through Tiananmen Square carrying banners in support of striking University students, Friday, May 19, 1989, Beijing, China. The students are in the sixth day of their hunger strike for political reform. less

Beijing police parade through Tiananmen Square carrying banners in support of striking University students, Friday, May 19, 1989, Beijing, China. The students are in the sixth day of their hunger strike for ... more

Bicyclists peddle through the ruins of the last weeks battle between the Peoples Liberation Army and students demonstrating for democracy in Tiananmen Square, June 10, 1989, Beijing, China. This scene is located some three miles from the square. less

Bicyclists peddle through the ruins of the last weeks battle between the Peoples Liberation Army and students demonstrating for democracy in Tiananmen Square, June 10, 1989, Beijing, China. This scene is ... more

Photo: Jeff Widener, AP

Bicyclists peddle through the ruins of the last weeks battle... Photo-6395973.87080 - SFGate

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A huge crowd gathers to watch as student protestors burn copies of Beijing Daily in retaliation for anti-student articles in front of the newspaper's offices, Friday, June 2, 1989, Beijing, China.

A huge crowd gathers to watch as student protestors burn copies of Beijing Daily in retaliation for anti-student articles in front of the newspaper's offices, Friday, June 2, 1989, Beijing, China.

A Chinese couple on a bicycle take cover at an underpass as tanks deploy overhead in eastern Beijing, China, June 5, 1989. Chinese troops crushed a pro-democracy demonstration held by students and other demanding democratic reform in Tiananmen Square on June 4. less

A Chinese couple on a bicycle take cover at an underpass as tanks deploy overhead in eastern Beijing, China, June 5, 1989. Chinese troops crushed a pro-democracy demonstration held by students and other ... more

Photo: LIU HEUNG SHING, AP

A Chinese couple on a bicycle take cover at an underpass as tanks... Photo-6396077.87080 - SFGate

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PLA (People's Liberation Army) troops from the Beijing garrison, patrol the streets on motorcycles, May 31, 1989 in Beijing. Parts of the city have been under martial law since May 20 in an effort to break up the student protests in Tiananmen Square. less

PLA (People's Liberation Army) troops from the Beijing garrison, patrol the streets on motorcycles, May 31, 1989 in Beijing. Parts of the city have been under martial law since May 20 in an effort to break up ... more

More than 80 city buses that were provided as shelter for striking students have been removed from Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Friday, May 26, 1989 in Beijing. The one remaining bus is being used as a clinic.

More than 80 city buses that were provided as shelter for striking students have been removed from Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Friday, May 26, 1989 in Beijing. The one remaining bus is being used as a clinic.

Photo: Mark Avery, AP

More than 80 city buses that were provided as shelter for striking... Photo-6396021.87080 - SFGate

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Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang speaks with fasting university students in Beijing's Tiananmen Square early Friday May 19, 1989, to urge them call off their hunger strike. The strike is in its sixth day. less

Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang speaks with fasting university students in Beijing's Tiananmen Square early Friday May 19, 1989, to urge them call off their hunger strike. The strike is in its ... more

Chinese troops and tanks gather in Beijing, June 5, 1989, one day after the military crackdown that ended a seven week pro-democracy demonstration on Tiananmen Square. Hundreds were killed in the early morning hours of June 4. less

Chinese troops and tanks gather in Beijing, June 5, 1989, one day after the military crackdown that ended a seven week pro-democracy demonstration on Tiananmen Square. Hundreds were killed in the early morning ... more

A young woman is caught between civilians and Chinese soldiers, who were trying to remove her from an assembly near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, June 3, 1989. Pro-democracy protesters had been occupying Tiananmen Square for weeks. less

A young woman is caught between civilians and Chinese soldiers, who were trying to remove her from an assembly near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, June 3, 1989. Pro-democracy protesters had been ... more

Photo: Jeff Widener, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A young woman is caught between civilians and Chinese soldiers, who... Photo-6396101.87080 - SFGate

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Civilians hold rocks as they stand on a government armored vehicle near Chang'an Boulevard in Beijing, early June 4, 1989. Violence escalated between pro-democracy protesters and Chinese troops, leaving hundreds dead overnight. less

Civilians hold rocks as they stand on a government armored vehicle near Chang'an Boulevard in Beijing, early June 4, 1989. Violence escalated between pro-democracy protesters and Chinese troops, leaving ... more

Photo: Jeff Widener, AP

Civilians hold rocks as they stand on a government armored vehicle... Photo-6396089.87080 - SFGate

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A woman soldier sings among pro-democracy protesters occupying Beijing's Tiananmen Square, about June 2, 1989. Police and military would occasionally mix with protesters in an attempt to keep the demonstration peaceful. In the early morning hours of June 4, 1989, soldiers overran the square, leaving hundreds dead overnight. less

A woman soldier sings among pro-democracy protesters occupying Beijing's Tiananmen Square, about June 2, 1989. Police and military would occasionally mix with protesters in an attempt to keep the demonstration ... more

A Chinese family pauses in front of a huge promotion poster of Michael Jackson at Peoples Square, Sunday, June 11, 1989, Shanghai, China. The city is back to normal with a usual huge crowd of Sunday shoppers bustling up and down the streets. less

A Chinese family pauses in front of a huge promotion poster of Michael Jackson at Peoples Square, Sunday, June 11, 1989, Shanghai, China. The city is back to normal with a usual huge crowd of Sunday shoppers ... more

Photo: MIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Chinese family pauses in front of a huge promotion poster of... Photo-6396084.87080 - SFGate

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A ceremony of PIA troops march down Chanan Blvd. firing indiscriminately to clear the street of citizens as the army faction occupying the center of Beijing prepares for the rumored arrival of opposition troops converging on the city, June 5, 1989, Beijing, China. less

A ceremony of PIA troops march down Chanan Blvd. firing indiscriminately to clear the street of citizens as the army faction occupying the center of Beijing prepares for the rumored arrival of opposition troops ... more

Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A ceremony of PIA troops march down Chanan Blvd. firing... Photo-6396080.87080 - SFGate

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A truck is almost buried in people as it makes its way through the crowd of thousands gathered in Tiananmen Square for a pro-democracy rally, Wednesday, May 17, 1989, Beijing, China.

A truck is almost buried in people as it makes its way through the crowd of thousands gathered in Tiananmen Square for a pro-democracy rally, Wednesday, May 17, 1989, Beijing, China.

Photo: Sadayuki Mikami, ASSOCIATED PRESS

A truck is almost buried in people as it makes its way through the... Photo-6396012.87080 - SFGate

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Beijing University students rally in Tiananmen Square where they have camped for a week to push for political reforms, Saturday, May 20, 1989, Beijing, China. The government declared martial law on Saturday in an effort to end the occupation. less

Beijing University students rally in Tiananmen Square where they have camped for a week to push for political reforms, Saturday, May 20, 1989, Beijing, China. The government declared martial law on Saturday in ... more

Photo: Sadayuki Mikami, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Beijing University students rally in Tiananmen Square where they... Photo-6396052.87080 - SFGate

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An anti-government protester in Beijing holds a rifle in a bus window, June 3, 1989. Pro-democracy protesters had been occupying Tiananmen Square for weeks; hundreds died that night and the following morning in clashes with Chinese troops. less

An anti-government protester in Beijing holds a rifle in a bus window, June 3, 1989. Pro-democracy protesters had been occupying Tiananmen Square for weeks; hundreds died that night and the following morning in ... more

Photo: Jeff Widener, AP

An anti-government protester in Beijing holds a rifle in a bus... Photo-6396103.87080 - SFGate

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Chinese troops keep a sharp eye out as their truck makes a momentary stop on Changan Blvd., Wednesday, June 7, 1989, Beijing, China.

Chinese troops keep a sharp eye out as their truck makes a momentary stop on Changan Blvd., Wednesday, June 7, 1989, Beijing, China.

Morning activity in Beijing's Tiananmen Square is reflected in the wet pavement, May 24,1989, following a downpour the night before. In the background are the Martyrs monument and beyond that, Mao's mausoleum.

Morning activity in Beijing's Tiananmen Square is reflected in the wet pavement, May 24,1989, following a downpour the night before. In the background are the Martyrs monument and beyond that, Mao's mausoleum.

A Beijing university student sits bound in a cardboard box as the strike for democracy continues for the third day in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Tuesday, May 16, 1989. The box indicates he cannot use his hands so he cannot eat. ( less

A Beijing university student sits bound in a cardboard box as the strike for democracy continues for the third day in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, Tuesday, May 16, 1989. The box indicates he cannot use his hands ... more

Photo: Sadayuki Mikami, AP

A Beijing university student sits bound in a cardboard box as the... Photo-6395975.87080 - SFGate

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Chinese dissident Wang Dan addresses fellow students during a demonstration in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, in this May 1989 photo. The characters on Wang's headband translate as "hunger strike." Fifteen years after the bloodshed, the exiled student leaders of China's 1989 pro-democracy protesters are settled abroad as academics and entrepreneurs. But they nurture one with above all - to come home to a new system. Wang Dan, a principal strategist for the protests, spent seven years in prison. Now 35, he is working toward a doctorate at Harvard University with a thesis on Chinese politics and history and the democratic movement in Taiwan. less

Chinese dissident Wang Dan addresses fellow students during a demonstration in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, in this May 1989 photo. The characters on Wang's headband translate as "hunger strike." Fifteen ... more